Outline

Overview

This unit of study aims to provide knowledge on the role of micro-organisms in pharmacy and the pharmaceutical sciences. It applies basic microbiological principles to the production of clean and sterile pharmaceutical products in both community and hospital pharmacy, and in industrial manufacture, and antimicrobial therapies. Topics include the structure, function and importance of the major groups of micro-organisms; host defence mechanisms; pathogenicity and epidemiology of infectious diseases; disinfectants; preservatives; antiseptics; antibiotics, antibiotic resistance, antivirals, and antimicrobial stewardship; principles and methods of sterilisation, aseptic preparation and techniques; cleanroom technology and good manufacturing practice (GMP).

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Pharmacy
Credit points	3
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	6 credit points of Biochemistry, 12 credit points of Chemistry, 6 credit points of Pharmacology, 6 credit points of Physiology
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Hien Duong, hien.duong@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam	Final exam MCQ and short answer questions	60%	Formal exam period	1.5 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Microbiology participation Participation	0%	Multiple weeks	N/A	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Antibiotic stewardship in-class quiz In-class quiz	10%	Week 06	No longer than 15 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Microbiology lab Pecha Kucha video presentation Video presentation	10%	Week 06	6 minutes and 40 seconds	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Antibiotic Resistance Workshop Presentation Presentation	10%	Week 09	10 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Exam preparation quiz MCQ	5%	Week 13	30 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Demonstration quiz - Understanding GMP MCQ	5%	Week 13	15 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Microbiology pre-lab tasks and participation: Students are required to attend all practical classes, complete all pre-work tasks, and actively engage in all activities and discussions
Microbiology Video: Students are required to complete practicals 1 to 3, utilise the class results provided by the demonstrator to support discussions and responses in their practical report video.
Exam preparation quiz: The quiz will consist of multiple-choice questions specifically designed to help students prepare for the final exam.
Demonstration quiz - Understanding GMP: The quiz will consist of multiple-choice questions on good manufacturing practice.
Antibiotic resistance presentation: Students are required to research and present ideas regarding the specific mechanisms by which resistance (actual or potential) may develop against an assigned drug.
Antibiotic stewardship in-class quiz: By the end of the workshop, students are required to answer three MCQs and one SAQ.
Final exam: The final exam will include a combination of multiple-choice and short-answer questions. All components of the unit, including lectures and practical classes, will be examinable.
No use of AI tools (Final exam)
The use of automated writing tools and generative artificial intelligence is prohibited in this assessment. You are not allowed to use AI or any other software to create information or answers, to alter your own original writing, or to generate or modify text from other sources. This includes translation software, editing/paraphrasing software and other generative artificial intelligence tools.
Unapproved use is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and may result in penalties, which can include a fail for the assessment.
AI tools permitted (Antibiotic Resistance Workshop presentation, Demonstration Quiz, Microbiology Participation, Microbiology Lab Video Presentation, Antiobiotic Stewardship quiz)
The use of AI tools is optional. You are permitted to use automated writing tools and generative artificial intelligence (AI) to facilitate your learning and completion of this assignment. Please adhere to the following guidelines:
-   Do not enter confidential, personal, copyrighted or otherwise sensitive information into any AI tool.
-   Do not rely on the accuracy of outputs. You remain responsible for your work. This means you must independently verify and edit AI-generated content to ensure the integrity, accuracy, and suitability of the output.
-   If you use these tools, you must be aware of their limitations, biases, and propensity for fabrication.
Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission, must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to reference and acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.
You are advised to keep copies of the prompts you provided and AI outputs as evidence of your research and writing process. This allows you to produce an accurate acknowledgement of AI use when you submit your work. This can be requested by the unit coordinator if there is any uncertainty about the originality of your work.
Repeating students: Exemption from practical labs and workshops for students repeating PHAR5712 will not be granted.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	At HD level, a student demonstrates an aptitude for the subject and a well-developed understanding of the unit material. A ‘High Distinction’ reflects exceptional achievement and is awarded to students who demonstrate the ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding to produce original solutions for novel or highly complex problems and/or comprehensive critical discussions of theoretical concepts.
Distinction	75 - 84	At DI level, a student demonstrates an aptitude for the subject and a well-developed understanding of the units material. A ‘Distinction’ reflects excellent achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates an ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding of the subject to produce good solutions for challenging problems and/or a reasonably well-developed critical analysis of theoretical concepts.
Credit	65 - 74	At CR level, a student demonstrates a good command and knowledge of the unit material. A ‘Credit’ reflects solid achievement and is awarded to a student who has a broad general understanding of the units material and can solve routine problems and/ or identify and superficially discuss theoretical concepts.
Pass	50 - 64	At PS level, a student demonstrates proficiency in the material. A ‘Pass’ reflects satisfactory adequately referencing the original source of the work.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction to microbiology and contamination control	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Antibiotics and antibiotic resistance	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Microbiology 1	Practical (3 hr)
Week 03	Sterilisation methods	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Microbiology 2	Practical (3 hr)
Week 04	Antibiotics resistance	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Microbiology 3	Practical (3 hr)
Week 05	Combination therapy & new antimicrobial drugs	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Antimicrobial Stewardship	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Antibiotic Stewardship Workshop	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 07	Chemical antimicrobial agents	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Antibiotic Resistance Workshop 1	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 08	Antifungal agents	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Antibiotic Resistance Workshop 2	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 09	Medically important viruses and viral diseases	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Antivirals	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Host defence mechanisms, principles of microbial pathogenicity and epidemiology	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)	Lecture (2 hr)
Weekly	Learn independently, including completing prework, assignment and reports	Self-directed learning (16.5 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: In accordance with the Master of Pharmacy Course resolutions on Attendance Requirements, students must attend a minimum of 85% tutorials / labs/ workshops to satisfy attendance requirements for this unit of study. For more information see Canvas.

If a tutorial/ lab/workshop is missed due to illness or misadventure, students are to submit a special consideration application along with supporting documentation. Students arriving more than 10 minutes after the commencement of the laboratory / workshop / placement will be marked as unprofessional, which is a component of the class participation and professionalism assessment. Students swapping a class without prior approval from the UoS co-ordinator will be marked as unprofessional.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 3 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 60-75 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Hugo & Russell’s Pharmaceutical Microbiology (Eighth Edition)

Part 1

Russell, Hugo & Ayliffe’s Principles and Practice of Disinfection Preservation & Sterilization (Fifth Edition)

Chapter 15

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. describe and understand organism structures, functions and bio-relationships (in humans and environment) of major microbial groups (e.g. bacteria, fungi, viruses, protozoa)
LO2. for each group, describe the pathological processes of infections in humans
LO3. demonstrate an understanding of processes for preventing infections (e.g. hygiene, infection control processes, antibiotic prophylaxis, antiviral therapy and immunization)
LO4. demonstrate an understanding of managing infections with pharmaceuticals (including ideas of culture and sensitivity, therapeutic decisions, dosage regimens and theory behind therapeutic failure)
LO5. demonstrate an understanding of mechanisms, causes and consequences of antimicrobial drug resistance (in particular the relationship with antimicrobial drug misuse/overuse in humans and in animal husbandry)
LO6. demonstrate an understanding of the principles of disinfection, preservation and sterilisation processes
LO7. demonstrate an understanding of the sources and potential consequences of contamination in pharmaceutical products
LO8. demonstrate an understanding of sterile production and good manufacturing pratice

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Thank you very much for taking the time to provide us with your constructive feedback. I appreciate your positive comments and I am so delighted that you enjoyed this unit. I would like to congratulate you all on your completion. I would like to emphasise that your feedback matters! We will explore different ways to make our lectures even more engaging. Thanks again for your valuable feedback. Wishing you the best luck for your study.

Additional information

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

PHAR5712: Pharmaceutical Microbiology

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links